Finding an effective treatment plan with a holistically-minded gastroenterologist or functional medicine doctor is a great way to prevent chronic illnesses. Get an appointment with a doctor who focuses on you and not just your illness. Optimizing your nutrition and learning the science behind effective treatments are very important. You and your digestive system may benefit from a more holistic approach. Learn what integrative gastroenterology is and how to use nutrition to prevent illnesses.
What is Gastroenterology?
Gastroenterology is the study of digestive health and its diseases. The digestive tract includes the stomach, small intestine, large intestine (colon), rectum, and anus. The digestive system is made up of the gastrointestinal tract and the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder.
Gastroenterologists are doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating problems with the digestive system. They may see patients with chronic illnesses that affect the gut, such as ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Holistic gastroenterology is a more holistic approach of treating patients with gastrointestinal issues. It considers the patient's overall wellness and looks for ways to improve it, not just treat the symptoms of the illness. This can be done through dietary changes, supplements, and other treatments focusing on healing the whole person, not just treating the disease.
What is Integrative Medicine?
Integrative medicine is a relatively new approach to healthcare that combines traditional western medicine with complementary and alternative therapies. Integrative medicine aims to treat the whole person, not just the symptoms of their illness.
Methods commonly used in integrative gastroenterology include dietary counseling, herbal remedies, acupuncture, and massage therapy. Physicians specializing in integrative gastroenterology often work closely with naturopathic doctors and other complementary health practitioners to create treatment plans tailored specifically for each patient.
Chronic illnesses such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can be challenging to manage. Integrative gastroenterology offers patients suffering from chronic, complex disease a holistic approach to treatment that may help improve their quality of life.
More about Integrative Gastroenterology.
The holistic approach to gut health is vital to patients because it focuses on the root cause of illness. An integrative gastroenterologist can help you understand how holistic approaches to your illness may help you not just with your symptoms, but addressing the root cause of your disease..
Digestive health is incredibly important, so a treatment plan tailored to you will help your overall health. Holistic medicine is a rapidly growing field that incorporates both conventional and alternative treatments. While the specific modalities of holistic medicine may vary depending on the individual doctor or clinic, it often includes therapies like acupuncture, massage, and herbal remedies in addition to more traditional treatments like medication and surgery.
Gastroenterology is the branch of medicine that deals with the intestinal system, including conditions like Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and ulcers. While gastroenterologists may use traditional treatments like medication and surgery, they may also recommend complementary therapies like acupuncture or massage if they feel it will be beneficial for the patient.
Gastrointestinal Conditions.
Many people begin to think about their wellness once they start to experience problems. However, there may be more proactive ways to take a holistic approach and prevent the problem from occurring in the first place. Let's look at some of the most common gastrointestinal conditions and how you can treat them holistically.
Many different gastrointestinal diseases affect people in different ways. Some common conditions include Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and celiac disease. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating these conditions, integrative physicians can partner with patients suffering from these illness to help them effectively address the root causes of these diseases.
Crohn's Disease.
Crohn's disease is a chronic gastrointestinal condition that can affect any part of the intestinal tract, from the mouth to the anus. This illness is believed to be caused by an abnormal immune response which can lead to inflammation and ulcers in the lining of the intestinal tract. Symptoms vary depending on which part of the intestinal system is affected but may include abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and weight loss. There is no cure for this particular disease, but functional treatments can help control symptoms.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a gastrointestinal condition affecting millions of peoples’ gut health worldwide. Characterized by symptoms like abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation, IBS can be extremely frustrating and even debilitating to live with. While there is no one-size-fits-all cure for IBS, there are many things you can do to help manage your symptoms and improve your digestive health.
Celiac Disease.
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects the small intestine and prevents the absorption of nutrients from food. Symptoms can include diarrhea, weight loss, and fatigue. Celiac disease has been linked to other health problems such as cancer, osteoporosis, and neurological disorders. A gluten-free diet is the only known treatment for Celiac disease.
Did you know that the health of your intestinal tract is closely linked to the health of your immune system? In turn, the health of your immune response is closely linked to the health of your overall body.
That's why it's so important to take an integrative approach to gastrointestinal conditions and treat not only the condition but its underlying causes. This may require working with various healthcare professionals such as doctors, nutritionists, and herbalists.
By taking an integrative approach to your health with your provider, you can create treatment plans that are tailored specifically for you and will help you feel better physically and emotionally.
Using the Holistic Approach to Digestive Health.
When it comes to our wellness, we often take a one-size-fits-all approach. We rely on medications and supplements to fix any issues we might have without taking the time to consider our individual needs.
But what if there was another way? What if we could improve our digestive health by taking a more integrative approach? What if we could look at the whole person – body, mind, and spirit – and address all of the factors contributing to our problems?
The holistic approach is based on the idea that all of these elements are interconnected. That means if one part of the system is out of balance, it can affect the entire system. Addressing only the symptoms will not produce lasting results.
One of the key benefits of integrative medical care is its focus on strengthening the immune system. The immune system protects your body from outside invaders, and when it is weakened, this can lead to various health problems, including digestive issues.
Index Health is the Better Choice.
Index Health sees each patient as a whole person who deserves a support system and a treatment plan that addresses the root problem and prevents further issues.
Functional medicine gets to the root cause of your condition using advanced lab tests, data, and specialist physicians, rather than just treating the symptoms.
Personalized functional medicine plans are 100% unique and tailored to your body’s individual needs. Plans primarily include nutrition and lifestyle changes.
Get ongoing support from your dedicated functional medicine staff and Advanced Primary Care, follow-up appointments, personalized therapy, and more.
How It Works.
Your answers to our health questionnaires help us determine the severity of your illness to best match you to a plan and a practitioner.
Your Care Manager will explain how the membership works and what you can expect in terms of ongoing support and proactive help.
Your medical team comprises a board-certified functional medicine physician and a highly skilled nutritionist.
We dedicate time to understanding your genetics, history, lifestyle, & goals. This helps us choose which advanced tests you need.
You may already be eating healthy, but you still need to see results. We help you figure out what diet plan is best for your body.
Your health plan will change as your body changes and we provide continuous support as we work toward optimal health.
Key Takeaways on Integrative Gastroenterology.
Integrative and holistic gastroenterology offers a whole person approach to your care that addresses not just the symptoms but the root cause of your disease. Working with an integrative physician will help you get the personalized healthcare you need to feel your best. You can easily book an appointment with Index Health and we will walk you through everything you will need to live your best life. Your integrative healthcare team at Index is looking forward to working with you to change your life!
